Hebrew: פֵיג’וֹיָה, feijoyah
Family: Myrtaceae
Scientific name: Feijoa sellowiana
The feijoa is a perennial ever-green used as both an edible and decorative plant. The plant is short, dense, and shrub-like that can be grown as a living fence and also for its fruit. In the past, there were attempts to cultivate the fruit on a commercial scale, but they were unsuccessful. The tree is suitable for various types of soil, which needs to be drained and aerated for successful development. Despite its tropical origins, it is surprisingly hardy in cold conditions and can survive in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).
The plant originates from South America and was brought here during the British Mandate.
Orlah & neta revay (waiting three years for fruit & fourth-year trees): The plant is often grown as an ornamental bush or a living fence in home yards. Only fruit trees as subject to the laws of orlah and neta revay, not to trees designated for other purposes, such as décor or fencing. Therefore, if the plant was planted only as a living fence and this is apparent from the way it was planted, orlah laws do not apply. However, if planted also for its fruit, orlah and neta revay laws apply.
Terumot and ma’aserot (offerings and tithes): Feijoa plants are mostly grown in the home garden, which is considered a place that obligates separating terumot and ma’aserot (kavu’ah lema’aser). However, if only one fruit is picked, it is considered a snack and thus is exempt from terumot and ma’aserot. If two fruits are picked at a time, though, they become obligated in terumot and ma’aserot.
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